Making use of DJI’s new Software Development Kit, Pix4D developed the first mapping App. The Pix4Dmapper mobile App allows to turn drones such as DJI Phantom 2 Vision into an autonomous mapping and measuring tool to create 2D maps and 3D models.

The most challenging part of UAV mapping is to take images in a specific way that ensures the best quality and accuracy possible for 2D maps and 3D models. DJI’s SDK allows Pix4D to offer a new feature available as a mobile App that enables users to take total control of a mission, including the camera. This takes away the difficult part of mapping and makes for an easy yet accurate tool for professionals.

The Pix4Dmapper App for Android (iOS coming soon) allows user to map areas by defining various types of flights. Users can select flight areas and height to create a fully automatic mapping flight, or fly the drone using the remote control: the App automatically calculates in real time when to acquire images to cover the area optimally, as well as enhance image attributes and characteristics. Once the images acquired, the App guides the user on how to convert them automatically into orthomosaics, point clouds, elevation models, or textured 3D models, using Pix4Dmapper on a PC, on the cloud or in the near future also on a tablet and phone.

“More and more customers use the DJI Phantom to explore the possibilities of UAS mapping and modelling. Our aim with the Pix4Dmapper App for DJI Phantom 2 Vision is to simplify the user experience all the while guaranteeing the best and most accurate results achievable. I believe that this will help to democratize UAS mapping for a wide range of professionals and, with their first experiences in hand, increase their confidence in UAS based mapping” says Christoph Strecha, CEO and Founder of Pix4D.

Using a DJI Phantom 2 Vision and the Pix4Dmapper App, an architect can map a property of 6 acres in a 20 minute flight and – flying at an altitude of 150 feet – create a 3D model with a resolution of up to 1 inch. Or a construction surveyor can fly in 10 minutes over a stockpile of material, process the images and measure its volume, achieving equivalent results as with traditional techniques such as laser scanning, in a fraction of cost and time.

Meet the Author

Award-winning photographer, journalist, and author Kike Calvo (pronounced key-keh) specializes in culture and environment. He has been on assignment in more than 90 countries, working on stories ranging from belugas in the Arctic to traditional Hmong costumes in Laos. Kike is pioneering in using small unmanned aerial systems to produce aerial photography as art, and as a tool for research and conservation. He is also known for his iconic photographic project, World of Dances, on the intersection of dance, nature, and architecture. His work has been published in National Geographic, New York Times, Time, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, New York Magazine, Rolling Stone, and Vanity Fair, among others. Kike teaches photography workshops and has been a guest lecturer at leading institutions like the School of Visual Arts and Yale University. He is a regular contributor to National Geographic blog Voices. He has authored nine books, including Drones for Conservation; So You Want to Create Maps Using Drones?; Staten Island: A Visual Journey to the Lighthouse at the End of the World; and Habitats, with forewords by David Doubilet and Jean-Michel Cousteau. Kike’s images have been exhibited around the world, and are represented by the National Geographic Image Collection. Kike was born in Spain and is based in New York. When he is not on assignment, he is making gazpacho following his grandmother’s Andalusian recipe. You can now buy Kike´s products: http://bit.ly/RJXlqr
You can travel to Colombia with Kike: www.colombiaphotoexpeditions.com

Post Navigation

Related Posts

About the Blog

Researchers, conservationists, and others share stories, insights and ideas about Our Changing Planet, Wildlife & Wild Spaces, and The Human Journey. More than 50,000 comments have been added to 10,000 posts. Explore the list alongside to dive deeper into some of the most popular categories of the National Geographic Society’s conversation platform Voices.

Opinions are those of the blogger and/or the blogger’s organization, and not necessarily those of the National Geographic Society. Posters of blogs and comments are required to observe National Geographic’s community rules and other terms of service.

Social Media

About the Blog

Researchers, conservationists, and others share stories, insights and ideas about Our Changing Planet, Wildlife & Wild Spaces, and The Human Journey. More than 50,000 comments have been added to 10,000 posts. Explore the list alongside to dive deeper into some of the most popular categories of the National Geographic Society’s conversation platform Voices.

Opinions are those of the blogger and/or the blogger’s organization, and not necessarily those of the National Geographic Society. Posters of blogs and comments are required to observe National Geographic’s community rules and other terms of service.